Monday, March 22, 2010

Halfway to a Green Taxi Fleet in San Francisco

By Gavin Newsom

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom

Almost two years ago to the day, I sponsored a Green Taxi Law requiring San Francisco cab companies to lower their greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. When I announced this goal many said it was unattainable.

We thought it was not only possible, but necessary to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, clean our air, and accelerate a new green economy.

I am pleased to announce that we are well on our way to exceeding this goal. The City�"s taxi fleet as of this morning is comprised of 57 percent alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles. These fuel-efficient vehicles have reduced gas consumption by 2.9 million gallons per year and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 tons annually. That�"s the equivalent of taking 4,700 passenger cars off the road.